Brunker sets the record straight
"NO CASE to answer, no finding of corruption for myself or any of my staff."
That's what former Whitsunday Mayor Mike Brunker had to say about his referral to the Crime and Corruption Commission in 2012, setting the record straight at last week's council meeting.
Cr Brunker was referred to the CCC after it was alleged council employees knowingly undertook ineligible works through the 2010 Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program and improperly recorded a loan of $10million on his watch.
Now back on council, the former mayor has been successful in having a forensic analysis of council's finances at the time accepted by the current administration.
Cr Brunker said the report found no corruption.
"And I do hope that after today my loyal staff can accept the truth has been delivered and on record for all to see," he said.
"And hopefully (they) can move on with their successful careers without fear or favour that they've performed to the best of their abilities for the old Bowen Shire and for a short period for the Whitsunday region."
The councillor slammed the former Whitney administration, claiming the report was "locked up for three-and-a-half years after it was commissioned and paid for".
"The last four years I've been vexatiously attacked in the media by the previous administration for the way in which the finances were perceived to be handled," he said.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said last week's actions were about receiving this information although he noted "I've instructed the CEO to do a thorough analysis (of council's finances)."